Yes, the school does allow you to work on commercial stuff while earning your instrument. It's more of a self-paced program. When you are ready, you move on. Some people take a little longer than others. But if you are very self applied and motivated, you can get through pretty quick. I'd like to finish it all in 190 (wishful thinking), but I want to do some instructing afterwards so I would need to get to 250 anyways in order to get my CFI. I don't plan on trying to find a job at 190. In reference to what you said about the instrument, that's what I've heard about it being the toughest part. I'm just trying to study and get ahead of the game as quickly as possible. Thanks for the input.
For your Commercial license you can not include the time that you did your private pilot in. The only time that counts is your Instrument time (because its an add-on rating) and the time building in your commercial license which is why Commercial licensing is so expensive. Your commercial for Part 141 consists of:
FAR Appendix D to Part 141 (page 438 in the FAR/AIM)
Each approved course must include at least the following flight training, as provided in this section and section No. 5 of this appendix, on the approved areas of operation listed in paragraph (d) of this section that are appropriate to the aircraft category and calss rating for which the course applies:
(1) : 120 hours of training if the course is for an airplane or powered-lift rating.
55 hours of flight instruction from a CFI
5 hours of Instrument (excluded from your Instrument rating)
10 hours of training in a SEL airplane that has a retractible landing gear, flaps, and a controllable speed propeller OR is turbine powered
1 cross country flight in a SEL plane at least 2 hour duration, a total straight-line distance of at least 100nm from the original point of departure, and occuring in a DAY VFR conditions
1 cross country flight in a SEL plane at least 2 hour duration, a total straight-line distance of at least 100nm from the original point of departure, and occuring in a NIGHT VFR conditions, AND 3 hours in a SEL in preparation for the practical test within 60 days preceding the date of the test.
1 cross country flight with landings at a minimum of 3 points and one segment of the flight consisting of straight line distance of at least 250nm; and 5 hours of night VFR with 10 takeoffs and 10 landings (with each landing involving a flight with a traffic pattern).
I think total it takes ABOUT 198 hours to get your Commercial license...
Now, to get your CFI you need I believe 250 hours total before you step to the DE/FAA...
Everything I just said can be found in FAR Section 141. Page 432-450.